or (shortened) אֹדוֹת (only thus in the plural); from the same as אוּד; turnings (i.e. occasions); (adverb) on account of; (be-) cause, concerning, sake.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼôwdôwth**, represented by `{{H182}}`, is an adverb used to express causality and connection. Its meaning is translated as **on account of**, **cause**, **concerning**, or for the **sake** of something. It appears 11 times across 10 unique verses, consistently serving to link an action, event, or statement to its underlying reason or subject.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H182}}` provides crucial context by explaining the motivation behind an action or the subject of a conversation. For instance, it is used to specify the reason for a dispute, as when Abraham reproved Abimelech **because** of a well of water his servants had seized [[Genesis 21:25]]. It also explains the basis for God's judgment, as when He put away backsliding Israel **for all the causes** of her adultery [[Jeremiah 3:8]]. Similarly, the word is used to describe the subject of a report, such as when Isaac's servants told him **concerning** the well they had dug [[Genesis 26:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illustrate the context in which a cause or reason is established:
* `{{H3198}}` **yâkach** (to reprove): This root signifies arguing, convicting, or correcting. It is often paired with `{{H182}}` to show that a reproof is based on a specific cause, as when Abraham **reproved** Abimelech [[Genesis 21:25]].
* `{{H2199}}` **zâʻaq** (to cry out): This word describes a shriek from anguish or danger. Its use alongside `{{H182}}` shows a direct cause-and-effect relationship between suffering and a cry for help, as when the children of Israel **cried** to the LORD **because** of the Midianites [[Judges 6:7]].
* `{{H4878}}` **mᵉshûwbâh** (backsliding): This term denotes apostasy or turning away. It is cited as the specific **cause** `{{H182}}` for God's judgment against Israel, highlighting the reason for His divine action [[Jeremiah 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H182}}` lies in its function of assigning clear reasons to pivotal events and declarations.
* **Defining Cause for Divine Action:** The word is used to articulate why God acts. He acts **for Israel's sake** [[Exodus 18:8]] and judges them for the **causes** of their spiritual adultery [[Jeremiah 3:8]], establishing a clear basis for His justice and deliverance.
* **Establishing Historical Memory:** The term is used to fix the meaning of an event in history. The brook Eshcol was named **because of** the cluster of grapes `{{H811}}` found there, connecting a place name to its origin story forever [[Numbers 13:24]].
* **Articulating Interpersonal Grievances:** `{{H182}}` is central to human conflict and dialogue. It appears when Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses **because of** his wife [[Numbers 12:1]] and when Abraham is grieved **because of** his son [[Genesis 21:11]], clarifying the source of tension or sorrow.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H182}}` is more than a simple connecting word; it is a key to understanding motivation and causality in Scripture. It operates in legal, personal, and theological contexts to explain the "why" behind actions. Whether clarifying the reason for a personal grievance, naming a location for posterity, or defining the grounds for divine judgment, **ʼôwdôwth** ensures that the reasons for significant events are clearly understood and recorded.
TRV